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the-iceni-bitch · 7 months

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𝒯𝒽ℯ 𝒫𝓁𝒶𝓃ℯ𝓉𝓈 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝓉𝒽ℯ ℱ𝒶𝓉ℯ𝓈 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝒶𝓁𝓁 𝓉𝒽ℯ 𝒮𝓉𝒶𝓇𝓈 𝒜𝓁𝒾ℊ𝓃ℯ𝒹

Relationship: lawyer!amazon Natasha Romanoff x plus size!short female reader (Big Red and Peach)

Word Count: ~2.4k

Summary: It’s your birthday and Nat knows just how to spoil you.

Warnings: explicit language, explicit sexual content (scissoring, oral), f/f relationship, so much fluff, a cute cat, reader is a swiftie, they’re in love y’all, SMUT!! 18+ ONLY!!

A/N: In the midst of writing all the wonderful Kinktober smut I had to churn out this little beauty. These two are so adorable, the NY babes are gonna be fun to play with.

I do not do taglists, so if you want to stay up to date on all of my fics, follow my sideblog @the-iceni-library and turn on notifications!

You let out a snort when you woke up, whining and screwing your eyes closed while you buried your face in the pillow to block out the sun. It was your birthday, and all you wanted was to curl up under the blankets and avoid everyone and everything until tomorrow.

“Happy Birthday!!”

“Shut the fuck up.” You growled and frowned at Nat when she walked into the room with a ridiculously large pile of pancakes. With whipped cream. And sparklers. Damn her and her cheery morning attitude. “It’s too early.”

“It’s nine o’clock, peach.” She beamed at you and sat down on the bed, setting the platter of decadent breakfast on the nightstand before stretching her body over yours so she could nuzzle into your hair and kiss your ear. “And I want to spend as much of my special girl’s special day spoiling her.”

“Ugh… fine.” It was hard to stay upset when she was sitting there in just a cami and panties, especially when she bounced happily and made her perfect boobs jiggle in a way that made you want to shove your face between them. “But we’re not going out, right?”

“Of course not.” Nat placed the tray on your lap when you sat up, clapping when you blew out the sparklers and winding her arms around your neck so she could kiss your cheek. “I don’t want to share you with anyone else.” She laughed when your kitten jumped up on the bed and tried to put his paw right in the whipped cream. “Except for little Gus-Gus, of course!”

You couldn’t help but smile when Nat started cuddling the kitten while you ate your pancakes. She kept leaning over to kiss whipped cream off the corners of your lips, and fuck if that didn’t do things to you. The woman had taken the whole day off work just so she could spend it with you, it’s not like you could really be mad about your birthday when that was the situation.

As soon as you were finished she was shoving the kitten into your arms and dragging you downstairs, that gorgeous smile still on her face that made you feel all gooey inside. Then you saw the living room and kitchen and you wanted to laugh and cry all at once.

Flowers. Bouquets on every surface and garlands strung from the ceilings with sprays on the walls. Delphiniums and asters and anemones and snapdragons and ranunculus. All of your favorites. It smelled like an English garden, and it looked like one. Plus there were bright ribbons everywhere, and a hand painted banner that said ‘happy birthday’ in calligraphy. You didn’t know how to react.

“I cannot believe you did all this.” Damn, your eyes were all misty. Maybe she would believe it was allergies? “You’re really leaning into the sugar mommy thing.”

“Or, I just love my little peach and how her face looks when she’s happy.” After she set the tray in the sink she wrapped you in her arms and kissed the top of your head. “And how you pretend like you don’t get all teary when you get nice things. Which you deserve, baby girl.”

“Shut up.” You huffed out a laugh and buried your face in her boobs. “Thank you.”

“Of course, honey.” Nat placed a finger under your chin and tilted your head back so she could look you in the eyes, still smiling when she leaned down to kiss you softly. “I love you.”

“I couldn’t tell.” You giggled when she growled playfully and bit your bottom lip. “I love you too, so much.”

“That’s my good girl.” She kissed you one more time before leading you to sit on the couch in front of a very large pile of gifts. “And now it’s time for presents!”

“Dear god.” You sighed when you flopped onto the couch with the kitten in your lap, chuckling in disbelief when she brought the first of you didn’t even know how many presents to you. “These are all wrapped way too nicely, Nat. I feel bad about ruining the paper. It’s too much.”

“Hush.” She sat down in front of you and rested her chin on her knees. “First off, you deserve all the gifts in the world because you’re wonderful. And second, we need to make your work room more comfy cozy now that you’re home all the time. Give it that peachy flair.”

“Okaaaaaaay…” you unwrapped the first gift as carefully as possible, letting out a shuddering and slightly emotional breath when you got a look at it. “Jesus Christ.”

What could you say, she knew you. Really well. In addition to the beautiful new laptop, she got you a vintage typewriter just in case you wanted to ‘write aesthetically’, which was just adorable even though you had no idea what it meant. There were lovely pictures of the vintage furniture she had bought to fill the space, with promises that the two of you would spend weekends refinishing and painting it together so it would look exactly the way you wanted.

Then there were the borderline excessive Taylor Swift related presents, which did make you cry. You didn’t even know how she found cardigans for every single album, much less little tiny matching ones for Gus to wear. The record player didn’t make much sense until you started unwrapping the vinyls of each album in aesthetically pleasing colors, including each of the ‘Taylor’s Version’ albums with promises to complete the collection as they continued being released. She insisted on putting the Eras bracelet on you herself as soon as you opened it, and her smile got even wider when you squeaked at the tickets to the Toronto show. It was absolutely over the top, but she looked so happy every time you opened something, and seeing her happy made you happy, so fuck it.

“I have no idea how you’re going to keep this up for every birthday and Christmas from now on.” You snuggled into her shoulder and pulled your “Midnights” cardigan closer around yourself, smiling while you looked at the framed vintage print of “Great War” lyrics. “Or where I’m going to put everything if you keep it up.”

“I’ll just have to buy a bigger house.” Nat kissed the top of your head and chuckled softly, turning on ‘How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days’ while she wrapped her arms around you. “Who really needs a retirement account?”

“Um, you do.” You looked up at her and grinned when she started rubbing your hips. “Because I’m not gonna start working again, and once I put you in an old age home, I’ll need something to maintain the lifestyle I’m becoming accustomed to.”

“Old age home?” She scoffed when you just grinned wider and nodded at her. “Little girl, you are asking for your birthday spanks.”

“Wait… Nat!” You squealed when she slapped your ass then tried to flip you over, kicking your legs and trying to get away while she just manhandled you like it was nothing. “This isn’t fair, I’m tiny!”

“Which is just fantastic for me.” She laughed when you yelped as she lifted you up so she could bite your left ass cheek before tossing you over her lap and giving you a good smack. “Tiny and thick, just look at that.”

“Hey!” You pouted and looked over your shoulder when she grabbed a handful of your ass and shook it. “Don’t jiggle me!”

“But I love the jiggle.” Nat gave you another spank and growled when it sent a ripple over your exceptionally voluptuous rear end. “Now, hold still.”

After about five you finally stopped squirming, just wiggling a little each time her hand met your skin. Your breathing kept getting heavier, though, and you couldn’t hold back your soft little whines. Once she got halfway through you were openly moaning like a whore, completely forgetting about the movie and pushing your ass up to meet her hand. Yeah, you were getting wet. Like, really wet. And hot. You didn’t even notice when she landed another solid slap and you spread your legs, biting your lips when you felt your pussy throb. Damn her, she really did know you.

“There we go.” As soon as she finished she yanked your panties down your legs, tossing them somewhere you couldn’t see before she started teasing her fingers over the insides of your thighs. “Just look how messy your pretty little pussy is, peachy girl! And from a spanking. Tsk, whatever should we do about it?”

“Dunno…” you were mumbling and perhaps drooling but if she didn’t do something about the situation between your legs soon you might cry. “Natasha…”

“Aww, did somebody get a little stupid?” Nat just grinned when you nodded as she turned you over and spread your legs even wider. “Does baby need mommy to take care of her and her sloppy cunt?”

“Yes mommy.” You gasped when she propped your ankle on her shoulder so she could pull off her own panties, licking your lips when she hooked a knee over your thigh that was laying on the couch until she was straddling you. “Mommy…”

“Shhh, just let mommy take care of you, baby.”

As soon as she pressed against you you whimpered, your eyes fluttering closed when she scraped her teeth along the curve of your calf at the same time she started to move. She was so soft. And warm. And slick. Her pussy slid over yours easily, her clit right against yours while her hips rolled slowly and sensuously so you could feel all of her. Nat nibbled on your ankle delicately when your pussy throbbed for her, smiling when you moaned and arched your back while your toes curled. You hiccuped when her clit found yours and started moving your hips, gripping the couch cushions when your core began tightening and it got harder to breathe.

The both of you moaned when she began rolling her hips faster, your hand sliding up her soft thighs so you could hold onto her hips while she rode you. Her lips were still pressed to the skin of your calf, sucking on it gently until you had a chain of pretty bruises along the inside of your leg. Nat purred when you tossed your head back and whined at the sensation of her sliding a hand under your cardigan so she could play with your tits, rolling over your nipple with her thumb until you let out another desperate hiccup. You whined when she squeezed your breast at the same time she changed the angle of her grinding, your eyes fluttering open when she bent over you until her lips were brushing against yours.

“My sweet, pretty girl.” Nat cooed into your mouth before flicking her tongue against your bottom lip, taking the hand that was holding your leg away so she could bury it in your hair while she gazes deeply into your eyes. “So good for mommy. Is feeling mommy’s pussy rubbing against yours your favorite, peach?”

“Mmhm… yeah.” Breathing kept getting harder and harder, your breath leaving you in a pathetic whimper while you dug your fingers into her hips. “‘M so close…”

“I know baby girl.” She tugged on your bottom lip with her teeth while letting out some low, pleasant sound from deep in her chest. “Come for mommy. You know how much I love it when you make a mess on my pussy.”

Nat pressed her lips to yours so she could swallow your cry when you fell apart, smiling when you shook in her arms while your pussy fluttered and gushed all over hers. She followed right after you, gasping and letting her eyes fall closed when her cunt spasmed against yours while every muscle in her body clenched and released. When you opened your eyes to watch her it only made your orgasm more intense, your legs tightening around her when her face flushed pink and her eyes fluttered, her teeth sinking into her pillowy bottom lip while her body rolled against yours.

As soon as you had both ridden it out you collapsed against each other, Nat laughing softly and rolling until you were sprawled on top of her while you tried to catch your breath. Neither of you could stop smiling, your eyes bright and happy when Nat pushed your hair away from your face before cupping your cheek with tender affection. You leaned into her touch and wrapped your arms around her tightly, letting out a happy sigh when she leaned up to kiss your forehead.

“You are so precious, little peach.” Nat hummed and rested her head against the pillow that was propped on the armrest, tangling her legs with yours while you pulled a blanket over your naked bottom halves. “Are you having a good birthday?”

“It would be kind of hard not to.” You chuckled when she played with your hair as you kept rubbing your cheek against her chest. “Every day with you is a good day.”

“Hmm, I feel exactly the same way.” She gave your ass an affectionate squeeze. “I hope cuddling for the rest of the day and eating a variety of snacks is acceptable.”

“More than acceptable.” You smiled warmly when she kissed the top of your head again. “But you know what’s even better than cuddling? Naked cuddling.”

“Whatever my birthday girl wants she gets.” Nat beamed at you before sitting up to pull off her cami, laughing when you immediately buried your face in her breasts as soon as she laid back down. “Spoiled.”

“Well, that’s your own fault.” You nuzzled at her breast as you relaxed, letting out a contented sigh when she began playing with your hair again. “Thank you for giving me a nice birthday. I love you.”

“And I love you baby girl.” She kept playing with your hair, laughing softly when the two saw Gus rolling around on the floor and meowing in offense at being forced to wear a cardigan. “And I’m going to make sure every single one of your days from now on is as nice as possible.”

#natalie writes #big red and peach #natasha romanoff #no love like your love: the city #female reader #plus size!reader #short!reader #natasha x reader #natasha romanoff x you #natasha romanoff x fem!reader #marvel au #eighteen plus only #wlw fanfic

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hastyprovocateur · 2 months

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What could be- Mizemi farm!au (mild nsfw)

It might be too good to be true.

But I wanted to picture Mizu and Akemi living together in the countryside and their relationship slowly developing as neither is rushed on any timeworn marriage- sex- children- grand children timeline. They'd spend their quiet days working the farm, cleaning their hut, raising pigs and horses. Mizu endured the tough lifting and tending, or repairing the roof and sheds as they'd require frequently. That or she'd monopolise the workshop. Akemi always accompanied her with cut fruit or sliced and salted vegetables with her ever piquant banter resonant through the sound of clanging tools. They'd chide each other with love.

"Pray, I've never seen wolves on our property" said Akemi and Mizu remarked impassively "They see you and warn each other to keep away"

Akemi, despite her dignified upbinging, had grown accustomed to the long walks to get anywhere, comfortable with the dirt flecking her pale feet. It is freedom she breathed through what the finer folks would call the strench of the rural outskirts. She engaged her hours in embroidering linens, patching up their clothes, especially all the elbows Mizu left threadbare from her training. She'd taken to the kitchen. Oddly elated at the fact that she could put exactly what she wanted in her body. Mizu gifted her a paring knife with a hidden love quote on the blunt edge and ever since, Akemi's indulged in finely chopping all the vegetables for their stew. She wasn't great at it but Mizu never griped. Even the most bitter concoction she wouldn't stop at less than 3 servings of. Akemi was determined to get better. Her heart nearly fluttered through her ribs when she managed to wring a sigh of pleasure from Mizu's lips when she'd tasted her miso soup one unremarkable evening. Mizu blushed at her sudden loss in composure, disguising it with the clatter of chopsticks and insistence that Akemi eat more.

"You eat. It's not everyday I cook this well" Akemi concealed a chuckle. "You always cook well" Mizu lied through her teeth.

Mizu set up a wall of shelves for Akemi to curate her books while Akemi recited many of her favorite poems to Mizu and taught her the basic meter. They'd sit together at night to trace their calligraphy in the same ornate style. Mizu fell in love with Akemi's hand. Akemi flicked her brush with artistic finess level with her sword wielding. Mizu never saw one any superior to the other. Akemi lay awake to paint sometimes. Rendering sprawling visions of the pastures and galloping horses. Their hut shared by two spirits. She said watching Mizu sleep invigorates her mind. Mizu claimed it's because she's not awake to spout nonsense in her ear. Akemi wrote Mizu seven poems inspired by all their nonsense. All of which Mizu pretended to never understand so she could ask Akemi to explain each verse again.

On the other hand, Mizu had been persistent in teaching Akemi how to throw a knife. It had been a task to get Akemi to single mindedly commit. Her mind turned forever lush in following the soaring sparrows, flitting butterflies, mating calls of toads and the frequent wondering if she'd left the pot on the hearth. Akemi grasped eventually, now flaunting all the peaches she could collect in just 3 strikes. The downside is that Mizu had to eat wagashi sweetened with peach preserve well into the winter. She never complained about the saccharine spinning in her head. But she'd pass out quickly after dinner. Which Akemi enjoyed watching, counting down till it worked.

"Anytime now" Akemi stroked Mizu's head on her lap as they watch the sun sink into the horizon from their porch. Mizu saw doubles, corners of her vision darkening "I'm not going down without a fight" she grits.

They shared a bed. Mizu offered to set up one close by but Akemi insisted on clutching the edge of her nagajuban as she slept. Mizu didn't object. She understood that Akemi slept light, still worried about being dragged off by strange men in the middle of the night. Unbeknownst to Akemi, Mizu harboured her katana under the mattress on her side if evil men do sully the sanctity of their homestead. Unbeknownst to Mizu, Akemi knew about the katana. They hadn't become intimate beyond the rare incidents of catching each other mid-dressing. They'd touch. Akemi would cleanse and dress Mizu's cuts and scrapes from work and Mizu would rinse Akemi's feet while she tried splashing water in her face. They'd often wake up wrapped up in each others arms.

"You said my name in your sleep" Akemi notes, her voice mellow and meek as Mizu grunted "You were threatening me with a knife." But she couldn't bring herself to confess that they'd been making incessant love in her dreams.

If Mizu woke up first, she'd clutch Akemi tight and in the time it took for her to rouse, Mizu would memorise every curve beneath Akemi's garments. She'd imagine them as she worked the fields as motivation to be done quick and return home and into her embrace. She'd sneak out to the river when it became unbearable, stripping down and letting the cold water numb her thoughts. Truth was... she wanted her more with every new, rising day. Akemi's beguiling smile shone bright as light itself, her quips quicker than a scholar's, her wisdom par to any monk. Her loose hair pooled over their pillow like wrought blessings, her pretty fingers clutched around her nagajuban like she'd lose herself if she let go, curled toes peeking from beneath the sheets. How was a person to deny such loveliness resting on their breast. When she'd call your name midsleep?

Likewise, Akemi would turn a flush red if she admitted it but she'd lay out Mizu's samue over their mattress in her absence and bury her face in it, touching herself as she imagined the slender in Mizu's calves, her sinewy arms and dexter fingers, the shape of her smooth back with dark hair flooding down her spine, the dark corners of her eyes, the unfettered sea in her gaze, her rich mouth. She'd crash from the waves of pleasure. Tossing and turning until she'd tire herself and then go prepare supper before Mizu returned home.

"Akemi!" Mizu called her one such evening as she'd just gotten done preparing hot stew, laying their scant and simple dinnerware out. Akemi came to, hearing the rumbling in the sky as it threatened to pour. "Coming!" Akemi ambled out the house, hair undone and feet bare. She came upon Mizu frenzied, grabbing at the clothes on the clothesline. They cracked in the storm, one blew away with a strong gust. "Mizu!" Akemi yelped, grabbing onto as many clothes as she could, bursting out in laughter halfway as she saw Mizu's eyes squinted, vexed by the dust kicked up by the wind. It began to drizzle... then pour. Akemi giggled harder as their clothes became soaked and Mizu continued to frantically collect them all. "Help me!" Mizu was exasperated, trying to yank down their bedsheet, stuck in place somehow by its pin. Akemi caught Mizu's obi before it flew off and began laughing uncontrollably as she tried to bring down the bedsheet along with Mizu.

The rain came down harder by the second and they are effectively soaked. Mizu stared at Akemi, the top of her head growing slick, loose locks stuck to her forehead. The corners of Mizu's lips twitched as she lost her composure as well. "Come off..." she continued to pull at it. "It'll tear!" Akemi tugged weakly, giving up eventually. "Don't stop!" Mizu insisted but Akemi simply smiled at her, reaching her arms out and looking skyward "It's already wet" she shrugged. Mizu looked at her quizzically "But you washed it..." she reasoned, still squinting from her irritated eyes. Akemi closed the distance between them, reaching for Mizu's face.

"Hold still" she laughed, stroking Mizu's waterline, gently easing a bit of debris out from the corner. Mizu peered down at her, chest heaving ever so slightly. Akemi's robe seeped through to her skin, clinging to it in places she's never seen bare with her eyes. She grew flustered, lowering her eyes from Mizu's piercing blue, resting them on Mizu's cupid's bow. "I'll wash it again... I'll wash them all" Akemi assured and Mizu quietly reached around Akemi, nestling her arms in the dip of her waist and pulling her even closer "Do you desire abhorrent work?" Mizu asked, water embedding into the fabric covering her broad shoulders, top knot coming undone. Akemi gulped, forehead level to Mizu's chest"It's not work to me. I'd do it everyday... blindly" her voice thinned.

To a near squeak.

"Meet my eyes" Mizu instructed her but Akemi hesitated, eyes affixed on Mizu's mouth, counting each part of her lips, the flick of her tongue. "Meet my eyes, Akemi" she repeated. Her tenor softer. Deeper. Sweeter. Akemi emboldened herself to peer up, finding Mizu's glacial blue eyes smiling down at her, the edges crinkled with love. Mizu brought herself closer, cradling Akemi's cheek and wandering her thumb over the soft expanse to push a wet strand back, resting it below her lips covered with raindrops "All this rain and I shall only be quenched by your lips-" Akemi lifted her bare heels above the ground, planting her lips on Mizu's with the tenderness of feathers brushing. Mizu held her tighter, face tilting to fit herself to her lover's lips. Like rivers meeting. They pulled back shyly only to meet again inevitably. Mizu drew away, crouching to hook Akemi under the knees and lifting her clean off the ground "You're getting your feet dirty" she marched her to back inside as Akemi rested her arms around Mizu's shoulders, eyes smitten with adoration "Bathe me" she rested her head in the crook of Mizu's neck

"Then wring me dry on our bed."

"Everyday... blindly" Mizu promised, sincere despite her wicked smile.

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agroupiewhore · 3 months

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Some random headcanons about what it would be like to date Fran. I haven't wrote anything in ages so apologies if this is shite. Please no hate. 💗💖🍓💕❤️🎀

*Disclaimer: This is my own work and my own self-indulgent ideas, none of this is based in reality.

If anyone wants a part 2 please let me know or has any questions or suggestions for improvements then please let me know, I apologise in advance for spelling and grammar errors.

🎀 This man can cook. He is amazing in the kitchen, will make you whatever you fancy no matter what time it is or whatever you fancy, nothing is too much trouble for him. Cooking you something is his love language.

🎀 He would much rather read then watch something. On the evenings you spend together you're sat on the sofa together reading. He will also read aloud to help you fall asleep.

🎀 No matter what the time is this man will come and pick you up. "But babe, I'm probably gonna be staying out till like 3am" "Ok mi amor, I come get you then" "But aren't you due on set at like 5:30am?" "Yes, and? I come pick you up at 3, I love you."

🎀 Will pay attention to all the little things that you like and remembers them so he can surprise you later on.

🎀 Never ever puts you down or makes fun of you when you're practicing Spanish with him and vice versa for when he is talking with you.

🎀 100% that annoying couple which never seem to argue. Just a walking disney film. The guys all tease him about it. "But you must argue over something, anything!?" "No, nothing" "I bet he leaves the toilet seat up" "No, always puts it down"

🎀 Believes in the art of letter writing and writes you letters in that fancy calligraphy writing. (Something he learned for a part in a theatre production)

Here is a small imagine, no TW etc, a little bit of making out etc, pg/13

A surprise

"My love" Fran said as he wrapped his arms around your waist and pulled you closer. "I can finish the dishes, it's ok".

"No I got it" you said as you began drying off some of the plates. "Besides you must be tired after yesterday's wrap party".

"It was fun, you need to come to the next one" he said as he brushed your hair aside to kiss your neck softly. "I missed you alot, the others were asking for you".

"I'll be at the next one babe, I promise" you answered setting the plate down and turning to face him. Fran was beautiful and you couldn't believe how lucky you were. You wrapped your arms around him and rested your forehead against his. "I think you need a second helping of that dessert you made. You need it". Fran smirked and kissed your nose.

"I said you don't need to ever worry about me. I promise, I'm going to be ok" he answered.

"Oh I got you something, to celebrate the film being done" you said going to pull away.

"No wait, just one more second, I want to stay like this forever with you" he said enjoying the moment, he felt he could be anywhere in the world but as long as he was with you he was home. You smiled and held onto him a little tighter.

"You did not have to get me something. I already have everything I need, I'm very lucky like that you know. Can carry everything I'll ever need in my hands" he smirked as he picked you up, catching you off guard.

"Fran!" You laughed as you instinctively wrapped your legs around his waist. "O my gosh put me down, I need to go and get your present". You looked down into his beautiful deep eyed and cupped his cheeks and began kissing him. He had the softest lips and skin. He kissed you deeper savouring the taste of your peach flavoured lip balm. Peaches were his favourite fruit. A fact you'd noted quite early on. You remembered the look of surprise and satisfaction on his face the day he'd realised your lip balm was the same flavour as his favourite fruit.

"Fran... I need... to get... your gift" you said between kisses. "Please mi amor". Fran smiled against your neck, there was something extremely hot about you using Spanish pet names for him. He was so in love with you it was unreal.

"Just one more my dear, please" he begged staring up at you. How could you say no to him? You lent down and kissed him, twice though. It was a small little ritual the two of you had. He would always ask for one more kiss whether it was before going off to sleep, before he would leave for set or an audition or before going on stage. You always kissed him twice just to be safe. He gently set you down and stroked your cheek.

"Te amo, mi amor" he smiled.

"I love you more" you answered before squeezing his hand and leaving. He heard you going upstairs and into the second bedroom. He was excited at the prospect of seeing what you'd got him although he was more excited to see your face at his gift for you. He smiled wider as he placed his hand into his trousers pocket and felt the box with an engagement ring inside.

#lsdln #the society of the snow #francisco romero #franciso romero imagine #x reader

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hathaway-hayes · 21 days

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Peach atop Eternity

I smirk a certain dignity at the Three dying friends; Holiness handled a bus departed “花都,” (Huadu’s) only hospital, Escapes towards homes, silent love.

If only to grasp, sacred’s this subtle moment, Temporary and amid the haze of progress, Wherein they resume to trace, Etched and ink, a calligraphy called, “Wholeness,” called, “full,” A covenant repeated and ancient –

Their fathers and another three friends, Departed, but one bus earlier – smiling And sooner atop peach bountiful mountains; Lesser the mourning, more the Morning and reunion;

Ah! The blessed unity, a path upon the dragon's back. Ah! The blessed bowing before her lotus. Ah! The blessed, I no longer fear death.

I know no fear within these years of youth; I’ll know no fear when assumed, their throne.

- Hathaway Hayes (2012)

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alexiethymia · 9 months

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illumination

summary: [Post-TYBW] Hitsugaya fixed his tabi on the engawa as he waited for Momo. Not for the first time, he was gripped with that sense of déjà vu. First sunrise. First shrine visit. A lot of the firsts that he remembered in his life was with her.

[read on ao3]

Notes: I don’t consider myself good at domestic fics, so this fic had plenty of inspiration, mainly @rays-of-fire-and-ice, @canariie, and @bleachbleachbleach‘s head canons especially about Jurinan grandma and Momo’s calligraphy. It was also inspired by the Hitsugaya family in Untitled Collection and the warmest place in the world, as well as all of the HCs about hitsuhina children that I just went and bit the bullet and did my own version. I’m also way too late for HitsuHina week, but I really wanted to finish this work based on the prompt fireworks.

Soshun mazu sake Ni ume uru Nioi kana

New year and first Sake and the fragrance of plum blossoms Being sold

“Kira’s spouting off haikus again which means he’s plastered and that’s our cue to go. Thanks for having us, Hitsugaya-taichou!”

“Heh, you sure it isn’t because you’ve made your darling wife and daughter wait up for you and now you’re scared you’ll be greeting the new year with a sandal to the face?”

“Shut it, Hisagi-san.”

“Oi, oi, show some respect Abarai. It should be Hisagi-senpai.”

“Ehh Kira, isn’t that haiku out-of-season? Isn’t it too early for spring? Ah, but it fits perfectly with the umeshu doesn’t it, taichou?”

Kira just ignored the whole drunken lot in favor of shaking Momo’s hands. For some reason, he seemed to be crying.

“Just a small new year’s gift, Hinamori-kun…ah…eto,” Kira mumbles all the while still vigorously shaking her hands. Only a strained furrow in his drooping brow signified his strain as if trying to remember something important amidst the drunken haze he was in, “My mistake,” he amends, “I mean, Hitsugaya-san.”

Perhaps it was the same furrow mirrored in the captain’s expression that caused him to remember, but in truth Hitsugaya’s expression wasn’t really directed at him. In truth, it wasn’t only Renji’s wife who was maybe slightly displeased with him.

“No need to be so formal, Kira-kun! We’ve known each other for ages.” Despite that she consented to be supported by her back, she wasn’t as fully nestled by his side like in her moments of true contentment where she would be languid and soft against him.

She was the perfect hostess so she’d never let anything in her expression show except a welcoming and bright smile, but Hitsugaya didn’t know her for centuries for nothing. The smile she had now had the same subtle curves as the exact same smile she showed him when she said, ‘What do you mean? Of course, I’m not angry, Shiro-chan, how silly,’ when he’d eaten the peaches she had apparently been saving when they were just carefree kids back in Jurinan. Moments like this made memories like that feel simultaneously as if they were eons ago and also as if they just happened yesterday.

Hitsugaya sighed.

“Momo, you know you can’t drink for a reason.”

Everyone in the party turned to look at him at that. True it was stern as was characteristic of Hitsugaya-taichou, but at the same time it sounded conciliatory. Perhaps that was why Momo let her smile fall, and let a slight pout overtake her features. Internally, Hitsugaya sighed with relief. He’d rather she shows that she was displeased with him than hide it.

“I know, but still for you to go so far as to ask everyone to bring plum wine, precisely because you know I don’t like it…” When Madarame-san and Ayasegawa-san brought some over, she thought nothing of it. When Hirako-taichou had dropped by in human world attire clapping Toshiro on the back with enough force that he fell, irritated and grumbling, and ruffling her hair softly as he placed the bottle and a new jazz vinyl in her hands, she thought it was a funny coincidence. But when even Nanao-san with the soutaichou dropped by, her with books and him with more of the stuff, that’s when she began to put two and two together.

Maybe it was a bit much for new year’s celebrations, but it had also been a housewarming of sorts, and Momo was touched with all of the small tokens of welcome and well-wishes. Pity it had to be something she wasn’t fond of. But Momo was nothing but gracious so she accepted it all.

Abarai-kun and Hisagi-senpai looked at each other sheepishly, while Kira-kun looked just about ready to drop at the thought of possibly having offended her with their gift, but Hitsugaya-taichou insisted, and you never said no to Hitsugaya-taichou when he used that tone (rather you never just said no to Hitsugaya-taichou period).

At least Matsumoto-san was thoughtful enough to bring peaches which was probably why she was giggling at their expense.

Seeing Kira-kun’s shaking legs and increasingly off color (he might faint with how white he was becoming), Momo decided to let up with a sigh. Looking up at her husband who was looking at her straightforwardly, Momo found that she really couldn’t stay mad especially when the person in question was sure he had done nothing wrong. And anyway he also mostly abstained from the alcohol, only taking a few sips in order not to be rude to their guests. She leaned into him even as Hitsugaya-kun teased her lightly, “You would have snuck a few sips if it was fruit wine.”

Feeling as if they were intruding into some soft and fluffy scene, the vice-captains couldn’t help but feel second-hand embarrassment at being the witnesses to a married couple’s fight (if it could even be called that).

“I hope Rukia and I aren’t as obnoxious as that,” Renji whispered discreetly.

“You totally are. It’s just that your lover’s quarrels are more explosive.”

“That’s good. I’m happy for you Hinamori-kun, er I mean, Hitsugaya-san, no I mean Momo-kun!” For some inexplicable reason, Kira started crying into his arm again.

“Ahhh, taichou and Momo, could you stop making the rest of us feel so single?”

“Ahem, Rangiku-san, would you do me the honor of- “

“Yosh! That does it. Time to take this party over to the Kuchiki manor. I’m sure they’ll have some high-class sake!”

“Hey, wait a minute! When did I say- “ But Hisagi just slung his arm over Renji’s neck in a chokehold, while dragging Kira behind him. Hitsugaya privately commiserated, both with Abarai and Kuchiki. Matsumoto was a whirlwind who couldn’t be stopped. Feeling a migraine coming on at the prospect of having to pay for any potential damages, he almost didn’t notice Matsumoto sidle up to them and spirit Momo away for a careful, and yet cheerful hug. Nuzzling her cheek against Momo’s, she whispered, “Don’t worry, I’ll sneak you some fruit wine sometime.”

Hitsugaya growled in warning at hearing that, “Matsumoto…” but Momo only laughed and hugged the buxom woman tightly, as his vice-captain winked at him. “After everything, taichou, I promise. Lieutenant’s honor.”

Hitsugaya calmed down, and sighed. He’s been doing a lot of that lately. Nonetheless he greeted his vice-captain, “Happy New Year, Matsumoto. I’ll be counting on you greatly for the upcoming year.”

“Thank you for visiting, Rangiku-san. Have a Happy New Year!”

With a lazy salute, she waved them both goodbye, and in a while they were both finally alone. Hitsugaya didn’t mind the company of his colleagues, while he knew Momo enjoyed it. Still, he didn’t want her to get too tired. Spying her drooping lids, he gently shook her, mindful of both her hands wrapping around her midsection, “Time for bed, sleepyhead.”

“Mmmm,” Momo yawned as she placed both arms around her husband’s neck while he scooped her up, “Hey, Shiro?”

“Hmm, what is it?”

“You know you’re going to have to drink all that sake right? And I won’t help with a single drop,” Momo giggled sleepily. As much as Momo disliked plums, she knew Hitsugaya-kun didn’t have a taste for alcohol either. Snuggling deeper into her husband’s broad shoulder, she smiled peacefully.

Hitsugaya blanched.

“I’ll give some to Matsumoto.”

…

Momo felt a hand waking her from restful slumber.

Blearily opening one eye, she spotted Hitsugaya-kun already up with a bemused look on his face. He had always been the early riser between the two.

Stretching her arms and yawning, Momo fixed her hair while Hitsugaya-kun patiently waited beside her. It was still dark out. Her stomach suddenly grumbled, and while she might have been embarrassed about it before, with how often it kept happening these days, she just got used to it.

Hitsugaya-kun passed her a bowl of the leftover toshikoshi soba she’d prepared for them which she took gratefully, warming her hands on the reheated bowl.

She still felt slow as molasses, but luckily Hitsugaya-kun had always been alert. While she sleepily slurped at the noodles still only half awake, Hitsugaya-kun merely arranged her so she was comfortable leaning against his front. He even tucked her in their blankets, leaving none for himself since the cold didn’t bother him. Once he was assured that she was comfortable, he slowly opened their sliding doors so they could view the night sky. It was but a moment later that the inky blackness was replaced with slivers of rose light.

With no words passing between them, together they watched the first sunrise.

---

Hitsugaya fixed his tabi on the engawa as he waited for Momo. Not for the first time, he was gripped with that sense of déjà vu.

First sunrise. First shrine visit.

A lot of the firsts that he remembered in his life was with her.

Memory was a funny thing in Soul Society. While he remembered nothing of his old life, if he were to fix a point in time where his life started here, he found that she was always in his firsts - that her smiling face was the beginning of everything.

First smile. First laughter. First friend.

First love.

Though he took a while to realize it. (Or perhaps like a circle, there had been no fixed point and some part of him had always known.)

Finished, he leaned back on his arms as he looked up at the withered branches. Though some things remained the same, perhaps a lot of things also changed. He remembers his first shrine visit with Momo and baachan. Back then he’d been impatient and rushing her so that they could get a move on already. But his grumbling had died in his throat when he saw her come out with a new yukata. It was nothing fancy, not even a kimono, but it was new. Everything about her then was new, from the first time he saw her put her hair up in a bun, small wild flowers threaded into the strands by baachan, to the new dusty pink yukata with plum blossoms scattered across it she had saved up for.

‘How do I look, Shiro-chan?’

‘…You look fine.’

It wasn’t even close to what he wanted to say, but only Momo would still smile brightly at him like that, leaving him dazed.

The plum blossoms were starting to bud, he noticed. Glancing down at his own kimono, he thought wryly that this was a far cry from the threadbare yukata he’d worn back then. Deep midnight blue and black, with whorls of clouds, on the back a great mighty dragon, shining in white as it rushed alongside a surging river, such that you wouldn’t know where the river ended and the dragon began. Truthfully, it was a bit ostentatious for his own tastes, but baachan had sent it and baachan had probably made it, so he would wear it gratefully.

Hearing the sliding doors open, he turned, a teasing remark of, ‘Finally done?’ at the tip of his tongue, but he didn’t even get the chance.

How could he even say anything?

Just there, Momo in a resplendent silk furisode, cloaked in white and vermillion. She gave him a little twirl and he spied the phoenix at her back, feathered tail curling all over her, along with flowers bright red and yellow, exploding like fireworks. There were subtle patterns of teal and green that matched his eyes, while her hair was held up with a matching red kanzashi, stray locks curling over her ear and feathering her forehead.

Separated by years, two moments in time, and he still finds that his breath catches.

“How do I look, Shiro?”

A blush on her cheeks, eyes sparkling, happy and at peace.

He smiled.

“You look beautiful.”

Some things changed, but some things would always stay the same.

…

“I wonder if baasan got our card,” Momo murmured thoughtfully as she rubbed the silk between her two fingers. Hitsugaya-kun just hummed and nodded as he made a path for the two of them in the crowd, hand gripping hers firmly. She continued touching the silk with her other hand, softly marveling. It really was beautiful. Baasan must have started as soon as she finished with their wedding clothes to get these to them on time. The subtly sparkling white on her furisode reminded her of her shiromuku safely put away back in their private quarters at home, while the black in Hitsugaya-kun’s kimono reminded her of his montsuki. Baasan had playfully added Hyourinmaru’s four-point star as a crest, while lamenting that she couldn’t decide if she wanted Momo to wear white, or a colorful iro-uchikake.

Watching the softly falling snow outside, she had made the decision for her. Momo loved white. Baasan had only chuckled and said next time then. Letting the long sleeve fall smoothly from her hand like water, Momo smiled wondering if this was her version. This wasn’t their first shrine visit since they were married, but it was still a kind of first nonetheless.

Hitsugaya-kun briefly glanced back at her. “Don’t worry, we’ll visit her soon.” She nodded, still smiling at him.

…

“Yatta, I got great blessing! What did you get, Hitsugaya-kun?” Momo looked pleased with herself and that was more than enough for Toshiro, even as she couldn’t help her giggle at seeing his own fortune, sue-sho-kichi, small blessing to come. Toshiro wasn’t superstitious, but was the small really necessary?

Toshiro wasn’t superstitious but he’s been noticing a pattern lately. Momo tended to pull out good fortunes, almost always Dai-kichi, sometimes Chu-kichi. If the overwhelming misfortune she faced meant that the cosmic scale was being tipped back in her favor, then Toshiro thought that there was justice after all.

She traced the characters on her fortune, machibito, a person being expected or waited for, “The person you’re waiting for will come,” she mouthed softly, even as Toshiro’s heart jolted at seeing shussan on her fortune slip.

Even in moments of calm like this, sometimes the anxiety would spike up. To shake off the silly urge of wanting to bite his thumb nail he smoothed over endan and negaigoto on his own slip almost obsessively.

Hirako once told him that everything in reverse would come the right side way up eventually. He didn’t put much stock in the other captain’s words, and much less did he put stock in pieces of paper, but if they meant that Momo would have a lifetime of fortune and happiness, then he would believe them wholeheartedly. It was nothing less than she deserved. And if nothing else, he’ll believe in himself. He’ll will those fortunes to reality if he had to.

“These are good fortunes, aren’t they Hitsugaya-kun?”

They were.

…

Just before they were about to pray, Momo suddenly asked him, “What did you dream about, Hitsugaya-kun?”

“Nothing much, just the past.”

Momo suddenly chuckled, “I had an auspicious first dream, a hawk flying high in the sky.”

“Oh,” Toshiro raised a brow, questioning. People talked about signs all they liked but it was actually rare to dream about them.

Momo smiled sheepishly, “Hehe, well to be exact I dreamed about the first time Hitsugaya-kun showed me his bankai. I remember being so amazed at seeing you fly.”

Toshiro’s brow raised even higher, “So I’m a bird now, is that it? You know you can’t just make up signs like that.”

Momo just smiled back impishly. “I’m collecting luck. It’s a lucky sign if I say it is. It’s up to us to make our own happiness after all.”

Toshiro just sighed in fond exasperation, he’ll tell her later if she asked but he had dreamed about a moment in the past. It wasn’t a specific moment, in fact it could have been every moment, but he had dreamed of a simple scene of them eating watermelons and watching the sunset.

It had been so tranquil that when he woke up he was disoriented at how Momo seemed to have grown overnight while Granny was nowhere to be found. Had she snuck into his bed to sleep again? Concerned, he wondered if she had another nightmare, before noticing her clasped hands in front of her. It hit him all over again, like a kidou spell, the immense but quiet happiness. Uncharacteristic of him, he had woken her because he couldn’t contain himself. The scene of watching the sunset in his dreams replaced with watching the sunrise. They had been surrounded by the mountains of their hometown in his dreams. Perhaps that counted?

A clap interrupts his reverie. Softly but enough for him to hear, Momo releases her prayer for the gods to hear as well, ‘may they be clever and strong’.

Toshiro contemplates whether or not to tell her that prayers were usually silent, but he decides against it. He doesn’t mind. Anyway, he knows what his own prayer will be.

It’s the one he’s been wishing for every night for the past year.

…

Hatsuyuki ya suisen na ha na no tawamu made

The first snow Just enough to bend The daffodil leaves

“I thought that you wanted your first calligraphy to be…”

“I know, I know what I said, but I can’t seem to think of anything,” Momo’s eyes as she looks up at him are pleading.

Stroking her head to calm her, he then picks up the paper to carefully store away. “It’s still good.”

Momo pouts slightly perhaps thinking he was only placating her. Unfurling it, Toshiro observes it more closely, “No really, it’s good. As always your handwriting is almost too pretty,” he smirks. Momo only puffs out her cheeks and crossed her arms pretending to be offended. Really her husband could still be so childish sometimes, finding it hard to say what he wanted to say. But Momo could still read him just the same. To him, anything she said or did was beautiful. She was beautiful. It was as simple as that.

Cupping his chin in hand, he asked her, “Do you want this here? I can place it in the entranceway.”

“No,” she shakes her head, “I made it for the tenth division. I hope Rangiku-san also likes it.”

“You know her. I’m sure she’ll love it.” Finally putting the paper away, he dragged over another writing desk to place in front of her. It was easier to move around and sit without his captain’s cloak over his shoulders. He can’t remember the last time he went so long without wearing it. “Speaking of Matsumoto, I hope the tenth division barracks is still standing.”

“Hush,” she chides, even as she smiles and puts brush to paper to begin another stroke, “You know Rangiku-san can be counted on when it really matters.”

Copying her, he also drew a straight line downwards, though perhaps less elegant looking. His strokes were blunt and precise, sometimes heavy-handed in places where the ink would bleed out, much the same as him. He was good at dispensing reports quickly and efficiently, but wasn’t really suited to crafting pieces of art (unless it was with blade and ice), slowly and with care. This was more Kira’s domain, or Momo’s. She could get so absorbed in each stroke that perhaps an hour would pass before she was finished with just one kanji. She wrote like she drew, as if there was meaning and an entire world in each line that made up a character. And perhaps for her there was. “I know, I know. I haven’t even had any reports yet so they can’t be doing too badly without me.”

He hadn’t said anything, but perhaps Matsumoto sensed that he would prefer not to be bothered unless it was truly an emergency. She was an excellent vice-captain like that, although he rarely said it out loud. Again, perhaps, many would call it uncharacteristic of him, that he wasn’t worrying every minute about his squad but he had enough on his mind and in his heart right now. Gazing at Momo in front of him, humming as she added another stroke, he let out a subtle sigh of relief.

He could leave it up to Matsumoto.

…

It’s Momo who wakes him up this time around, brimming with excitement.

“Shiro-chan, look! It’s snowing!”

How nostalgic, he thinks sleepily at hearing her laugh, ‘she hasn’t called me that in ages.’

Rubbing the sleep from his eyes, anxiety once again begins to creep in, contrasting his wife’s honest pleasure. ‘Won’t it be too cold for her?’ There were times in the middle of the night when he would unconsciously place space between the both of them, memories flashing back to those early days when he couldn’t control his powers. But without fail and as if she had some sixth sense for it, she would only draw nearer, looping hands and legs together so he would find it harder to escape, mumbling incoherent things all the while as she drooled on him. He had no choice then but to fall blissfully back into sleep.

Noticing her husband’s contemplative gaze as he looked outside, Momo sighed and wagged a finger to catch his attention, “No messing with the weather, Shiro. I’m fine.” Cross-eyed, Toshiro reluctantly nodded. “Good,” she chirped. One crisis averted she snuggled closer, and waited for him to put his arms around her.

Suddenly and without warning, colors bloomed in the sky, a multitude of flowers sparkling brightly and dazzling. Momo could only gasp in delight.

‘Fireworks in the snow, huh?’ A far-off memory that couldn’t hurt them now.

Certainly, it was too cold, but drawing the presence nestled in his arms even more closely to him, Toshiro found that he didn’t mind. The fireworks were spectacular yes, but his gaze was permanently drawn downwards. Blue, red, yellow, pink played off across her face in flashes. He could watch fireworks forever illuminated in her eyes. There, they would never fizzle out, the sparks would never die, rather they would shine brightly forever, so long as she kept looking at him.

Suddenly overcome with feeling, he wanted exactly that. He could only whisper her name, even if there were only the two of them, “Momo…”

“Hmmm,” she responded turning to meet his eyes with her own despite the display continuing above them, “What is it, Shiro-cha –“

He was a patient man, he was. And he’ll ask forgiveness for interrupting her later, but at this moment, he wanted nothing more than her lips on his. He should let her get some rest, he should, his mind was clearly telling him that he should, so why was his treacherous body tightening his arms around her, one hand roughly weaving fingers in her hair as he tilted her head back.

She was no better, fingers wound as tightly in his own hair, drawing out a soft groan he tried to muffle against her neck, as he kissed it feverishly, softly biting to leave blooms of his own on the milky skin, a counterpoint to the flowers up in the sky. Hyoten Hyakkaso without his zanpakuto, though these flower burned rather than froze.

There were times he was deathly afraid he would freeze her, but right now, nothing else plagued his mind besides her, and as he drew her down with him, for once he didn’t mind the snow, for he was sure he could warm her as long as he kept her close.

Up in the sky, the fireworks brightly shined and illuminated them both.

…

They write together quietly, Momo occasionally showing him a character to ask his opinion on it. She had already finished with the first one, excitedly showing it to him in a bit of feverish excitement.

The strokes for ‘flower’ and ‘fire’ were lively and vibrant. It matched her perfectly. Toshiro had agreed immediately.

It was the second one they were having trouble with. Toshiro had suggested the characters for ‘spring’ and ‘tree’. It reminded Momo of Tobiume, and Momo didn’t exactly mind it for ‘spring’ matched with his own ‘winter’, but something still felt out of place.

“Isn’t it too early for spring?” In truth, it was more that she wanted more of him reflected in these strokes and lines. She places ‘sun’ next to ‘happiness’.

Hitsugaya-kun only shrugs. Momo could only smile at him fondly. “I hope they’re more like you,” she says as she idly traces the strokes for ‘wish’.

Hitsugaya-kun merely smirks back at her. “Then looks like we’re in conflict since I hope they’ll take after you.”

Momo sticks out her tongue in playful indignation. “I’m sure the kami-sama will listen to my request over yours. I’ve been collecting more luck after all.” ‘Clever and strong,’ was what she had prayed for, ‘just like their father’.

Hitsugaya-kun shakes his head in amusement. Peering over to her side, he looks at what she’s been working on, “That could work.”

Momo hums thoughtfully, looking at the character this way and that. It seems perfect – a wish, a hope, a prayer – but it didn’t seem to be quite exactly what they were looking for.

“What have you got?” She leans more to his side, before bursting into a fit of laughter. If Hitsugaya-kun is embarrassed, he makes a valiant effort not to show it. On his paper, the character for ‘big’ in bold, black, strokes. Momo’s face softens at seeing the character under it, ‘shine’. It might be her own imagination that it seems like it’s glowing.

“They’re perfect.”

…

They made it just in time for the fire festival. Perhaps it was incongruous for them to be burning something they’d been working on for days, but this was just its own kind of prayer.

Both of them hold paper lanterns, in his, ‘Hanabi’ in her own script, in hers, ‘Haruki’ in his. Small bright lights cupped into the palms of their hands. As one they let both lanterns go, up in the sky, where they’ll burn brightly and send all their prayers up to the sky.

Fervently, Momo clasps her hands together, Toshiro a steady and unwavering presence around her.

She hopes.

…

Even if they had hoped for peace to continue, truly their idyllic days couldn’t last. They were still commanding officers, and when Matsumoto shows up on their doorstop one day, he knows exactly what it means.

He knows, but it doesn’t mean he has to like it.

Rangiku likes it no more than her taichou. She can’t even tease the both of them over the marks she spies not covered by Momo’s kimono. “Taichou…It’s Naruki City.”

He closes his eyes in aggravation, fingers closed over the bridge of his nose to stave off the migraine, as Momo and his Vice-captain look at him concerned.

For once, he wants to be selfish. It’s so close, too close. For once, he wants to forget about his captain’s cloak and his responsibilities and just stay here to shelter Momo from everything. Opening his eyes, he meets Momo’s own and is both equally dismayed and encouraged by the resolve he finds there.

Momo didn’t become a Shinigami to be protected. She became a Shinigami to protect. And it’s the same for him (except doesn’t she know by now, after everything, that she was the one he wanted to protect most of all).

Without words, she goes to get his captain’s cloak. If she feels his hands shake as she helps him put it on, then at least only she would know.

She cradles his face in her hands, arms going up to reach him now instead of down. He doesn’t know what she sees in his face, if it looks like he’s about to cry, but she only smiles calmly, ruffling his hair. When before, he had swatted her hand away, now he only leans into the simple comfort. He closes his eyes as he feels Momo draw him down and touch her forehead to his. His erratic heartbeat slows at hearing her breathe.

“I’m off.”

“Please go and come back,” she says as she bows on the engawa. There is no fear in her eyes, only trust as if telling him, ‘go and I’ll be here to welcome you when you return’. He wishes it was the same for him. He swallows before turning forward. He stops Matsumoto with a hand to her shoulder.

He has no words. “Matsumoto…”

Eyes widening in understanding, she starts worriedly, “The reports say there are at least five arrancars, taichou. I already commanded the rest of the troops stationed there to come back. I was planning to handle them myself…but the soutaichou said the both of us needed to be there.” Hitsugaya was glad she didn’t go by herself. He appreciated the soutaichou intervening on his behalf. Knowing Matsumoto, she would have rushed there headstrong and foolish for his sake.

All the points she raised were valid ones, but again all he could say was, “Matsumoto, please…” I need you here.

There were moments where no words needed to be said, and the communication between a captain and vice-captain could be almost telepathic. This was one such moment, and as Rangiku gazed up at her not-so-little anymore captain, she could only smile in resignation, “Gotcha, taichou. But when you come back, I’m expecting an all-expense paid vacation. I’ve been working my butt off! Hey, Momo,” she called back, already making her way into the house, as Momo gazed at him with a question in her eyes, “Let’s go together!” Hitsugaya only smiled back.

Committing the sight of his wife and vice-captain smiling together, he tightened his grip on Hyourinmaru and set off.

…

Both his mind and body were on auto-pilot. He was glad Hyourinmaru had his back. It wasn’t like back then when his zanpakuto had to artificially mature him just so he could handle his own bankai. He had fully matured in all senses of the word, and had full mastery of his true bankai.

It was good that he was alone. There was no collateral damage except the enemy so he could release Shikai Hyoketsu without repercussions. But without Matsumoto there to support him, he felt more alone than ever.

He was getting tired. He lost count of how many enemies he had slain, of his own wounds and bruises. There was only one thought in his mind – to get home no matter what.

Using his sword as a crutch, he breathed out heavily before suddenly slashing out Hyoryu Senbi at the new presence he felt.

The shadow dodged and clicked his tongue. “Is that anyway ta greet yer elders? Ya look like you’ve been through hell. Need a little hand?”

Disoriented, Hitsugaya could only gape at the newcomer, “Hirako?”

“The one and only.”

Hitsugaya might have thought he was hallucinating but there was no mistaking that too-wide grin and tacky haircut. “What are you doing here? Naruki City isn’t under your jurisdiction.”

That carefree smile suddenly turned serious, “No it’s not, but I know someone who is under my jurisdiction. And I’m sure she’s missin’ a neglectful husband.” Hitsugaya growled at that. “What’re ya doin’ here? Do I have ta tell my daughter to divorce you?”

“For the last time,” a vein ticked in his forehead, this seemed like an eerily familiar experience he was having, “She is not your daughter! And anyway, you didn’t answer my question.”

He might have if not for another presence suddenly jumping in, “Oh, what? Am I interrupting a lover’s quarrel or something.”

“Nah, just an in-laws spat.”

What the hell?

He couldn’t decide what expression he was supposed to be showing. Maybe Hirako decided to finally take pity on him as he decided to answer him. “The soutaichou sent us because it looks like someone forgot to bring their vice-captain.” Heh, more like they persuaded him. Even if that softie hadn’t already been ready to pull him out after hearing he stupidly went alone, Shinji’s sure Lisa’s kick to his backside, and Nanao-chan’s sharp glare would just about do the trick. Eh, a few misplaced forms never hurt anyone. “Color me surprised when I found out Naruki City was actually under the fifth and the eight’s joint jurisdiction. Who coulda been so stupid as to put it under the tenth’s all this time?”

Hitsugaya didn’t know what was going on.

Shinji sighed. The kid could be so slow sometimes. “Oi, Hitsugaya. Lisa also brought her vice-captain. I’m sure two captains and a vice-captain would be more efficient than one captain. Yer not needed here, so wouldja just hurry on to where you’re supposed ta be already?”

Finally shaken out of his stupor, he could say nothing. He put his own misgivings aside, and bowed low.

“Thank you.”

As the tenth squad captain shunpoed out of there, Shinji let out a whistle. “What d’ya know? The kid has manners after all. Let’s hurry this up Lisa. I got a grandchild to welcome.” “Lame,” Lisa replied, completely deadpan.

He let it off.

It was a joyous occasion after all.

…

She wasn’t there. She wasn’t at home.

His mind was perfectly blank.

He couldn’t feel her reiatsu anywhere.

“Hitsugaya-taichou!”

What was his seventh seat doing here?

“Matsumoto fuku-taichou brought Hitsugaya fuku-taichou to the fourth.”

Hitsugaya-taichou immediately left without even greeting him, but Takezoe didn’t hold it against his captain. With a dozen children of his own, he’d been where the young man was now. He only hoped his captain would make it in time.

…

He doesn’t remember how he reached the fourth, only overwhelming panic.

He could feel the temperature lowering, but only distantly, the calls of his title heard in a vacuum as if he was somewhere very far away.

‘Hitsugaya-taichou, please reign down your reiatsu.’

‘Taichou, please control it, it might affect the patients.’

‘It might affect…’

“Taichou!”

He felt as if he was roughly woken up from sleep. Heavily, he lifted his head up, “Matsumoto…”

“Taichou,” Rangiku said more softly. Her little captain wasn’t so little anymore. More than once he’d had to support her when Shiba-taichou left, and even after…

But now, as she sees how he trembles under her hands on his shoulders, subtly curling into himself, eyes haunted, she is taken back to years past, to a little boy so afraid of hurting the people he loves.

Matsumoto’s voice brings him back. He can sense a cacophony of reiatsu, all mingling together, that it was hard to tell them all. Abarai with his daughter, both Kuchikis even, Kira, Hisagi, his squad, members from other squads, her friends, their colleagues, their friends.

But that only serves to forcefully remind him that he was doing it again, he can’t stop it, he’s the greatest danger to those around him, to her, he can’t ever protect her, and as he shivers, the ice creeps up even faster.

“Taichou,” Matsumoto says, voice still soft. Placing her palm firmly against his heart, she pleads, “Please. Listen.”

Boy

A thunderous sound, more presence than voice. Hyourinmaru

Shiro-chan

Toshiro

A sound like wind-chimes, laughter threading every word. He gasps.

“It’s alright,” Matsumoto assures him, smiling brightly. “She’s alright. She knows you’re here.”

…

In the end, both their wishes are granted.

Both their children have her hair, hers lit like a coal flame, his softer and reminding him of forests and trees, the coming of spring. His hair was too unique to be passed onto anyone else, she manages to joke, but no matter because she still got what she wished for. Rubbing both chubby cheeks and coaxing both eyes to open, he sees what she means when he sees his own eyes reflected back at him. Brightly shining with an inner light.

They would shine brightly, he vows to himself, as he envelops her, all of them, to him, while he buries his face against her hair.

“Shiro-chan,” she laughs, the happiest she’s been, “Are you crying?” She hardly if ever has seen him cry. She nuzzles her cheek to his. “What am I to do with my crybaby husband?”

He can’t even manage his usual ‘shut up’ amidst his tears, only hugging them closer. Thank you.

Momo smiles. The person you’re waiting for will come.

He did. They did.

They were all home.

Okaerinasai.

#hitsuhina #hinamori momo #hitsugaya toshiro #bleach #hitsuhina fic #hitsuhina fanfic #bleach fic #bleach fanfic #ensemble cast #lots of new year imagery #this was so self-indulgent but I loved writing it #ramblings about bleach #ramblings about hitsuhina #illumination

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